Book Review: “Emotional Intelligence” by Daniel Goleman

This week’s entry to the “Scott Drotar Literary Review” is a psychology classic. It is widely acclaimed and well respected, and it really does not need to be reviewed by someone like me. In an attempt to get all of you aspiring Roll Models to read it though, I will give you my opinion, even though it will come as white noise among a throng of similar glowing reviews. This week’s book is “Emotional Intelligence” by Daniel Goleman.

In this amazing treasure trove of emotional knowledge, the author gives the reader “inside information” (pun intended) on their feelings. Numerous emotions are covered in detail, and he does so in a way that provides the technical information sought by psychologists while still keeping an accessible, popular press feel that caters to the casual reader. The information is well cited, and there are a plethora of examples that masterfully illustrate the concepts. You get the lowdown on what happens physiologically during emotional times, why it happens, and what you can do about it. I think that is what has turned this book into a classic, the information he gives on coping with some of our feelings. He provides many easily applied ideas and behaviors that will help you to better understand, experience, and control your emotions as they arise. This is a skill that adds enjoyment to nearly every part of your life.

This is a book that should be read by everyone and anyone. It contains so much information that everyone will learn something from reading it and applying its principles. Its insights will help you be happier, enjoy life more, and have better relationships. I don’t have anything bad to say, nor has nearly anyone else. “Emotional Intelligence” gets a 5 out of 5 on the Roll Models rating scale, and if I could give it a 6 I would.